Nature reserves

Kugitang Nature Reserve is located in the south-western slopes of the Koytendag mountains (the Kugitang range), at the south-western extreme of the Gissar range of the Pamir-Alay mountain system. Generally, it lies at elevations of 900-3139m above sea level, which it reaches at Ayrybaba (the highest peak of Turkmenistan). There are a substantial number of water bodies: karst lakes, freshwater springs and hydrogen sulphate wells. Koytendag is famous for its unique caves and other geological features (marble onyx), as well as its archa forest and species of rare plants and animals such as the blind cave loach which inhabits underground lakes in the karstic caves. Kugitang is also famous for its representing the main periods of Earth development, including the illustration of ancient life, significant geological processes in Earth surface forms development, essential geomorphological a...

Badkhyz reserve is one of the most beautiful nature reserves in the south of Turkmenistan, located between the rivers Kushka and Tedjen, was created in 1941. The total area of the reserve is about 90,000 hectares. Badkhyz flora is rich and diverse. In this beautiful place there are such rare plants that belong only to this region. Many of them need special attention and protection, so they were listed into the Red book. Spring is the best time for visiting Badkhyz. At this season the mountain slopes and plains of the reserve are covered by flowering grasses. Poppies and tulips are the main decoration of this time of year. The mountain plains are covered by red color, produced during their blossom. Pistachio groves are the main attraction of Badkhyz Reserve. Unique Badkhyz reserve is famous for its kulans (steppe racers). There are also other rare animals: gazelles, l...

Kugitang Nature Reserve is located in the south-western slopes of the Koytendag mountains (the Kugitang range), at the south-western extreme of the Gissar range of the Pamir-Alay mountain system. Generally, it lies at elevations of 900-3139m above sea level, which it reaches at Ayrybaba (the highest peak of Turkmenistan). There are a substantial number of water bodies: karst lakes, freshwater springs and hydrogen sulphate wells. Koytendag is famous for its unique caves and other geological features (marble onyx), as well as its archa forest and species of rare plants and animals such as the blind cave loach which inhabits underground lakes in the karstic caves. Kugitang is also famous for its representing the main periods of Earth development, including the illustration of ancient life, significant geological processes in Earth surface forms development, essential geomorphological a...

The Repetek Nature Reserve was founded in 1927 and occupies a territory of more than 35 000 hectaresto study unique desert fauna and flora. It is located in the central part of the eastern Karakum. The unique natural ecosystem of Repetek attracted the attention of many scientists and a number of scientific conferences and seminars were held here. The importance of Repetek was recognized by UNESCO and in 1979 Repetek obtained the status of an International Biosphere Reserve. Repetek is a place where we can observe practically all forms of the Karakum’s sandy landscape, which are dune-like, ridge-like, hilly and other possible variations, as well as striking the attention ‘Repetek Sahara’ and groves of white and black saxaul (haloxylon) - a forest without a shade. Saxaul is a tree without leaves. It has leaves, but they are very thin. It helps the...